They have won their last 13 away games and, before this weekend’s matches, had dropped just seven points from 18 league games, averaging three goals a match.

Such is their lead in the title race that most bookies are ready to pay out early. But it is not just the results, it is the sheer brilliance of their play that astounds.

Messi is playing his best ever football, Henry is back to his Arsenal excellence, and in Yaya Toure they have Europe’s best midfield player.

Now what we need is for Barcelona to be drawn against Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool – should they all reach the Champions League second knockout round – and we will have some peace at last.